Type 2 collagen (C2) is a protein and component of our joint cartilage. Oral C2 in its undenatured form may reduce autoimmunity to the body's own C2, resulting in less joint inflammation in instances of osteoarthritis and rheumatism.
What is type II collagen?
Type 2 collagen (C2) is a peptide and a major component of joint cartilage mainly. When taken orally, C2 is usually in one of two forms: undenatured or hydrolyzed. Undenatured collagen has been minimally processed at a low temperature to keep its peptides mostly intact and most absorbable . Hydrolyzed C2 has been processed with a higher degree of heat, acid, and enzymes, resulting in the breakdown of peptides from larger forms into smaller ones and are less absorbed.
What are type 2 collagen’s main benefits?
The primary benefit of undenatured Collagen C2 appears to be improvement in joint pain, mainly in the context of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydrolyzed C2 (also known as CII hydrolysate) may improve skin health/appearance and reduce joint pain.
What are type 2 collagen’s main drawbacks?
By and large, C2 seems fairly safe. One potential concern is that collagen (in heavy dosages of around 10 grams per day) has been shown to increase oxalate levels in urine, likely because collagen consists of approximately 10% hydroxyproline, and a major metabolite of hydroxyproline is oxalate. As a result, higher doses of Type 2 Collagen could increase the risk of oxalate-based kidney stones in few susceptible individuals.
How does type 2 collagen work?
Undenatured CII has been proposed to improve joint pain through an effect on the immune system. More specifically, Type 2 Collagen peptides are thought to induce the formation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in areas of the gut known as Preyer’s patches. These Tregs can enter circulation, where they produce anti-inflammatory compounds like (e.g., IL-10), which inhibits inflammation and tissue damage in joints.
The hydrolysis of type 2 collagen seems to result in the breakdown of the most immunologically active peptides, meaning that the effect of hydrolyzed collagen on joints may not act via this mechanism. However, in higher doses, hydrolyzed C2 might improve joint pain by supplying the amino acids used to repair the damaged tissue.
Dosage information
The dose of Type 2 collagen taken depends on whether it is denatured (hydrolyzed) or undenatured. For skin and joint health, the daily dose of hydrolyzed collagen is around 10 grams per day. For treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, undenatured collagen (Regenflex C2 ) is taken at a much lower daily dose (often around 40 milligrams), and while it doesn't need to be taken at any particular time of the day, it may be ideal to take it on an empty stomach before breakfas,lunch and or dinner.
Type 2 collagen should not be taken as a protein supplement because it has a lackluster amino acid profile.
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